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Prostate Cancer Screening: Should I Have a PSA Test?

You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

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Get the facts

Your options

This information is for men in their 50s and 60s. But it also may be helpful to other men who are thinking about this decision.

Key points to remember

PSA tests can help find some prostate cancers early, when the cancer may be easier to treat. The largest study of prostate cancer screening so far showed that PSA testing may prevent a small number of men from dying of prostate cancer.

A high PSA level can have many causes, including an enlarged prostate, an infection, or, less often, prostate cancer. A high PSA can cause a lot of worry and lead to more tests. But most high PSA test results will not turn out to be from cancer.

Many cancers found by PSA tests would not have caused a problem if they had not been found through screening. But when they are found, they often get treated with surgery to remove the prostate or with radiation. These cancer treatments may not have been needed. And they can have serious side effects, such as urinary, bowel, and erection problems.

Many prostate cancers grow slowly. This means that many men with prostate cancer will die of something else before their prostate cancer advances enough to cause any problems.

With faster-growing prostate cancers, finding the cancer early may not help you live longer. Some prostate cancers will be fatal no matter when they are found or how they are treated.

Prostate cancer is the
abnormal growth of cells in the tissues of the
prostate gland. It is the second most common cancer in men. Most men who get it are
older than 65.

Early prostate cancer usually doesn't cause symptoms. When
prostate cancer is found before it has spread outside the prostate
gland, a man's options include active surveillance, surgery to remove the prostate, or radiation. If a prostate cancer grows or spreads, symptoms may develop, including urinary
problems (such as blood in the urine) and bone pain.

Many prostate cancers grow slowly. This means that many men with prostate cancer will die of something else before their prostate cancer advances enough to cause any problems. With faster-growing prostate cancers, finding the cancer early may not help you live longer. Some prostate cancers will be fatal no matter when they're found or how they are treated.

The
prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that measures your level of PSA. The
PSA test is usually done to screen for prostate cancer in men who have no symptoms.

PSA is released into a man's blood by the cells of his prostate gland. A PSA test can show if you have normal or high amounts of PSA in your blood. A high PSA level can have many causes, including an enlarged prostate, an infection, or, less often, prostate cancer.

PSA tests can help find some prostate cancers early, when the cancer may be easier to treat. The largest study of prostate cancer screening so far showed that PSA testing may prevent a small number of men from dying of prostate cancer.

But experts disagree on how useful PSA testing is. For many men, it may not help them live any longer than if they'd had no screening.

False-positive results

Often the PSA test can show high levels of PSA that aren't caused by cancer (called a false-positive).

If your PSA test is high, you may need more tests—like a prostate biopsy—to check for prostate cancer. These tests can be harmful. For example, prostate biopsies can cause infections. For a few men, these infections are very serious. These tests can also cause a lot of worry.

False-negative results

PSA tests may miss some cancers. Not all prostate cancers cause a high PSA, so some PSA tests will be normal when there is cancer (called a false-negative). But the more serious prostate cancers usually do cause a high PSA.

Overdiagnosis

A PSA test can find cancers that would not have caused a problem (called overdiagnosis). You might have this type of cancer, but a PSA test can't tell if the cancer is harmless. So you may get cancer treatment—including surgery or radiation—that you don't need.

A PSA test alone can't tell if you have prostate cancer. This test only shows the level of your PSA.
And a PSA test can't tell why your level is high. A biopsy is the only way to check for prostate cancer.

The PSA test also does not tell you if a cancer is growing fast or slow. Most prostate cancers that are found early are slow-growing. But a few prostate cancers grow fast.

Out of 1,000 PSA tests, about 170 will find a high PSA level. Out of those 170 high PSA test results, about 129 will not be from cancer, while about 41 of the 170 will be from cancer.

These numbers are from the largest, longest study done so far on the value of PSA testing. The study was done in Europe and did not include African-American men, who are at higher risk of prostate cancer.footnote 1 A smaller study done in the United States did not find that PSA testing saved lives.footnote 3

Prostate cancer is more likely to be found with PSA testing than without PSA testing. About 102 out of 1,000 men who are screened will be diagnosed with prostate cancer versus about 68 out of 1,000 men who are not screened.

PSA testing may prevent a small number of men from dying of prostate cancer. About 5 out of 1,000 men who are screened will die of prostate cancer versus about 6 out of 1,000 men who are not screened.

Risks

Many cancers found by PSA tests would not have caused a problem if they had not been found through screening. But when cancers are found, they often get treated with surgery to remove the prostate or with radiation. These cancer treatments may not have been needed. And they can have serious side effects, such as urinary, bowel, and erection problems.

Take a group of 1,000 men ages 55 to 69 who have PSA tests. About 27 of these men may get cancer treatment they don't need.footnote 1

PSA tests can show high levels of PSA that aren't caused by cancer (called a false-positive). This means you may need more tests—like a prostate biopsy—to check for prostate cancer. These tests can be harmful. For example, prostate biopsies can cause infections. For a few men, these infections are very serious. These tests can also cause a lot of worry.

Out of 1,000 PSA tests, about 170 will find a high PSA level. But most high PSA levels are not caused by cancer. Out of those 170 high PSA test results, about 129 will not be from cancer, while about 41 of the 170 will be from cancer.footnote 1, footnote 2

Understanding the evidence

Some evidence is better than other evidence. Evidence comes from studies that look at how well treatments and tests work and how safe they are. For many reasons, some studies are more reliable than others.
The better the evidence is—the higher its quality—the more we can trust it.

Another thing to understand is that the evidence can't predict what's going to happen in your case. When evidence tells us that 2 out of 100 people who have a certain test or treatment will have a certain result and that 98 out of 100 will not, there's no way to know if you will be one of the 2 or one of the 98.

Experts disagree on how useful PSA testing is. PSA testing can help find prostate cancer early. But it may not help you live any longer than if you had no screening. And it could lead to harmful treatments you don't need. Talk with your doctor about your health, your risk factors for prostate cancer, and the pros and cons of PSA testing. The choice is up to you.

Here's what some
experts say:

The
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against PSA tests to look for prostate
cancer. The USPSTF found that testing does more harm than good. Men who are tested may end up getting
treatment they don't need, and those treatments can cause other problems. Few, if any, men are helped to
live longer by having the test.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) advises men to talk with their doctors about testing and treatment before deciding about testing. The ACS says that men should not be tested without learning about the risks and benefits. The ACS advises talking to a doctor about testing:

At age 50 for men who are at average risk of getting prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years.

At age 45 for men at high risk, such as African Americans and men who have a first-degree relative (father, brother, or son) who had prostate cancer when he was younger than 65.

At age 40 for men at an even higher risk, such as those with several first-degree relatives who had prostate cancer at an early age.

The American Urological Association (AUA) recommends that:

Men under age 40 shouldn't have PSA screening.

Men ages 40 to 54 who are at average risk shouldn't have routine PSA screening.

Men ages 55 to 69 should talk with their doctors about having the test. Discuss the benefits and harms of PSA screening before deciding if you want the test. If you decide to have this test, having it every 2 years rather than every year may reduce the harms.

Men ages 70 and older (or any man with less than a 10- to 15-year life expectancy) shouldn't have routine PSA screening.

Your doctor may discuss PSA screening if you are in your 50s or 60s. If you're at high risk, your doctor may discuss screening sooner. Some things may put you at high risk for prostate cancer, such as being African American, having a family history of prostate cancer, or carrying gene changes thought to increase the risk for prostate cancer. If you don't already know your prostate cancer risk, you can ask your doctor.

Compare your options

Compare

What is usually involved?

What are the benefits?

What are the risks and side effects?

Have a PSA test
Have a PSA test

You have a blood test to check your PSA level.

If your PSA is high, you'll need more tests. These may include repeat PSA tests or a prostate biopsy.

A PSA test can help find
some prostate cancers early, when the cancer may be easier to treat.

PSA testing may prevent a small number of men from dying of prostate cancer.

A PSA test may miss some cancers. Some PSA tests may be normal when there is cancer (called a false-negative).

A PSA test may show a high level that is not caused by cancer (called a false-positive).

If your PSA test is high, you may need more tests—like a prostate biopsy—to check for cancer. These tests can be harmful. For example, prostate biopsies can cause infections. For a few men, these infections are very serious. These tests can also cause a lot of worry.

A PSA test may find cancers that would not have caused a problem (called overdiagnosis). This can lead to cancer treatments that you don't need. These treatments can cause urinary, bowel, and erection problems.

Don't have a PSA test
Don't have a PSA test

Instead of having regular PSA tests, you see your doctor as needed or if you have prostate or urinary symptoms.

You avoid testing that
could lead to a diagnosis of cancer and treatments that can cause urinary, bowel, and erection problems.

You may miss the chance of finding prostate cancer early, when the cancer may be easier to treat.

Personal stories about having a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to screen for prostate cancer

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

I have two
children who are in high school right now, and both plan to go to college. It's
important to me to provide for them and ensure that they have the money they
need to finish their education. If I found out I had cancer, I would try any
treatment that might offer me a chance to live longer, even if it has side
effects. I'm going to have the PSA test.

Eric, age 56

For me,
there is still too much uncertainty about how helpful the PSA test is and how accurate it is. I've read that high PSAs can be caused by things other than cancer. But the only way to check for cancer is to have a biopsy. I don't want to have to go through that if I don't have to. And the fact that I might be treated for a cancer that wouldn't have caused a problem is troublesome. So for now, I'm not going to have the PSA test.

Mike, age 62

My health is
great. I still run, play tennis, and travel a lot. At my age, you start to see
friends getting sick and dying of one thing or another, and it makes you start
to think about your own health more. I know that the PSA test isn't perfect,
but I want to have every chance I can to treat cancer early if I have
it.

Jacob, age
68

I've done some reading on this subject, and
I know that I'm a lot more likely to die from my heart disease than from
prostate cancer. Right now I'm focusing my efforts on controlling my blood
pressure and cholesterol because I know that treating those things can help me
live longer and better. I know that if I had the PSA test and it was high, I
would just worry and be stressed out.

Pieter, age
67

What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to have a PSA test

Reasons not to have a PSA test

I want to find prostate cancer early.

I want to avoid the side effects of prostate cancer treatment.

More important

Equally important

More important

I want to be tested so I can have peace of mind.

I'm not worried that I might get prostate cancer.

More important

Equally important

More important

I want to know if I have prostate cancer.

I don't want to know if I have prostate cancer, because it may never affect my health.

More important

Equally important

More important

I think having a PSA test is worth the risk of having a false alarm if it could find prostate cancer early.

I want to avoid worry from a false alarm and more testing.

More important

Equally important

More important

My other important reasons:

My other important reasons:

More important

Equally important

More important

Where are you leaning now?

Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Have a PSA test

Do not have a PSA test

Leaning toward

Undecided

Leaning toward

What else do you need to make your decision?

Check the facts

1.1, Does a high PSA test result always mean you have prostate cancer?

YesNo, that's wrong. A high PSA level can have many causes, including an enlarged prostate, an infection, or, less often, prostate cancer. But most high PSA test results will not turn out to be from cancer.

NoYou're right. A high PSA level can have many causes, including an enlarged prostate, an infection, or, less often, prostate cancer. But most high PSA test results will not turn out to be from cancer.

I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Get the Facts." A high PSA level can have many causes, including an enlarged prostate, an infection, or, less often, prostate cancer. But most high PSA test results will not turn out to be from cancer.

2.2, Can a PSA test find cancers that may never cause a problem?

YesIt's true. Many cancers found by PSA tests would not have caused a problem if they had not been found through screening. But when they are found, they often get treated with surgery to remove the prostate or with radiation.

NoSorry, that's wrong. Many cancers found by PSA tests would not have caused a problem if they had not been found through screening. But when they are found, they often get treated with surgery to remove the prostate or with radiation.

I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Get the Facts." Many cancers found by PSA tests would not have caused a problem if they had not been found through screening. But when they are found, they often get treated with surgery to remove the prostate or with radiation.

3.3, Is there a chance that a PSA test could save your life?

YesYou're right. PSA tests can help find some prostate cancers early, when the cancer may be easier to treat. The largest study of prostate cancer screening so far showed that PSA testing may prevent a small number of men from dying of prostate cancer.

NoNo, that's wrong. PSA tests can help find some prostate cancers early, when the cancer may be easier to treat. The largest study of prostate cancer screening so far showed that PSA testing may prevent a small number of men from dying of prostate cancer.

I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Get the Facts." PSA tests can help find some prostate cancers early, when the cancer may be easier to treat. The largest study of prostate cancer screening so far showed that PSA testing may prevent a small number of men from dying of prostate cancer.

You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

Prostate Cancer Screening: Should I Have a PSA Test?

Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.

Get the facts

Compare your options

What matters most to you?

Where are you leaning now?

What else do you need to make your decision?

1. Get the Facts

Your options

Have a PSA blood test to check for prostate
cancer.

Do not have a PSA blood test to check for prostate cancer.

This information is for men in their 50s and 60s. But it also may be helpful to other men who are thinking about this decision.

Key points to remember

PSA tests can help find some prostate cancers early, when the cancer may be easier to treat. The largest study of prostate cancer screening so far showed that PSA testing may prevent a small number of men from dying of prostate cancer.

A high PSA level can have many causes, including an enlarged prostate, an infection, or, less often, prostate cancer. A high PSA can cause a lot of worry and lead to more tests. But most high PSA test results will not turn out to be from cancer.

Many cancers found by PSA tests would not have caused a problem if they had not been found through screening. But when they are found, they often get treated with surgery to remove the prostate or with radiation. These cancer treatments may not have been needed. And they can have serious side effects, such as urinary, bowel, and erection problems.

Many prostate cancers grow slowly. This means that many men with prostate cancer will die of something else before their prostate cancer advances enough to cause any problems.

With faster-growing prostate cancers, finding the cancer early may not help you live longer. Some prostate cancers will be fatal no matter when they are found or how they are treated.

FAQs

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is the
abnormal growth of cells in the tissues of the
prostate gland . It is the second most common cancer in men. Most men who get it are
older than 65.

Early prostate cancer usually doesn't cause symptoms. When
prostate cancer is found before it has spread outside the prostate
gland, a man's options include active surveillance, surgery to remove the prostate, or radiation. If a prostate cancer grows or spreads, symptoms may develop, including urinary
problems (such as blood in the urine) and bone pain.

Many prostate cancers grow slowly. This means that many men with prostate cancer will die of something else before their prostate cancer advances enough to cause any problems. With faster-growing prostate cancers, finding the cancer early may not help you live longer. Some prostate cancers will be fatal no matter when they're found or how they are treated.

What is a PSA test?

The
prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that measures your level of PSA. The
PSA test is usually done to screen for prostate cancer in men who have no symptoms.

PSA is released into a man's blood by the cells of his prostate gland. A PSA test can show if you have normal or high amounts of PSA in your blood. A high PSA level can have many causes, including an enlarged prostate, an infection, or, less often, prostate cancer.

What are the benefits of having a PSA test?

PSA tests can help find some prostate cancers early, when the cancer may be easier to treat. The largest study of prostate cancer screening so far showed that PSA testing may prevent a small number of men from dying of prostate cancer.

But experts disagree on how useful PSA testing is. For many men, it may not help them live any longer than if they'd had no screening.

What are the risks of having a PSA test?

False-positive results

Often the PSA test can show high levels of PSA that aren't caused by cancer (called a false-positive).

If your PSA test is high, you may need more tests—like a prostate biopsy—to check for prostate cancer. These tests can be harmful. For example, prostate biopsies can cause infections. For a few men, these infections are very serious. These tests can also cause a lot of worry.

False-negative results

PSA tests may miss some cancers. Not all prostate cancers cause a high PSA, so some PSA tests will be normal when there is cancer (called a false-negative). But the more serious prostate cancers usually do cause a high PSA.

Overdiagnosis

A PSA test can find cancers that would not have caused a problem (called overdiagnosis). You might have this type of cancer, but a PSA test can't tell if the cancer is harmless. So you may get cancer treatment—including surgery or radiation—that you don't need.

What does the PSA test NOT tell you?

A PSA test alone can't tell if you have prostate cancer. This test only shows the level of your PSA.
And a PSA test can't tell why your level is high. A biopsy is the only way to check for prostate cancer.

The PSA test also does not tell you if a cancer is growing fast or slow. Most prostate cancers that are found early are slow-growing. But a few prostate cancers grow fast.

What do numbers tell us about benefits and risks of PSA testing?

Examples of outcomes with and without PSA testing in men ages 55 to 691*

Out of 1,000 PSA tests, about 170 will find a high PSA level. Out of those 170 high PSA test results, about 129 will not be from cancer, while about 41 of the 170 will be from cancer.

These numbers are from the largest, longest study done so far on the value of PSA testing. The study was done in Europe and did not include African-American men, who are at higher risk of prostate cancer.1 A smaller study done in the United States did not find that PSA testing saved lives.3

Prostate cancer is more likely to be found with PSA testing than without PSA testing. About 102 out of 1,000 men who are screened will be diagnosed with prostate cancer versus about 68 out of 1,000 men who are not screened.

PSA testing may prevent a small number of men from dying of prostate cancer. About 5 out of 1,000 men who are screened will die of prostate cancer versus about 6 out of 1,000 men who are not screened.

Risks

Many cancers found by PSA tests would not have caused a problem if they had not been found through screening. But when cancers are found, they often get treated with surgery to remove the prostate or with radiation. These cancer treatments may not have been needed. And they can have serious side effects, such as urinary, bowel, and erection problems.

Take a group of 1,000 men ages 55 to 69 who have PSA tests. About 27 of these men may get cancer treatment they don't need.1

PSA tests can show high levels of PSA that aren't caused by cancer (called a false-positive). This means you may need more tests—like a prostate biopsy—to check for prostate cancer. These tests can be harmful. For example, prostate biopsies can cause infections. For a few men, these infections are very serious. These tests can also cause a lot of worry.

Out of 1,000 PSA tests, about 170 will find a high PSA level. But most high PSA levels are not caused by cancer. Out of those 170 high PSA test results, about 129 will not be from cancer, while about 41 of the 170 will be from cancer.1, 2

Understanding the evidence

Some evidence is better than other evidence. Evidence comes from studies that look at how well treatments and tests work and how safe they are. For many reasons, some studies are more reliable than others.
The better the evidence is—the higher its quality—the more we can trust it.

Another thing to understand is that the evidence can't predict what's going to happen in your case. When evidence tells us that 2 out of 100 people who have a certain test or treatment will have a certain result and that 98 out of 100 will not, there's no way to know if you will be one of the 2 or one of the 98.

What do the experts recommend?

Experts disagree on how useful PSA testing is. PSA testing can help find prostate cancer early. But it may not help you live any longer than if you had no screening. And it could lead to harmful treatments you don't need. Talk with your doctor about your health, your risk factors for prostate cancer, and the pros and cons of PSA testing. The choice is up to you.

Here's what some
experts say:

The
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against PSA tests to look for prostate
cancer. The USPSTF found that testing does more harm than good. Men who are tested may end up getting
treatment they don't need, and those treatments can cause other problems. Few, if any, men are helped to
live longer by having the test.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) advises men to talk with their doctors about testing and treatment before deciding about testing. The ACS says that men should not be tested without learning about the risks and benefits. The ACS advises talking to a doctor about testing:

At age 50 for men who are at average risk of getting prostate cancer and are expected to live at least 10 more years.

At age 45 for men at high risk, such as African Americans and men who have a first-degree relative (father, brother, or son) who had prostate cancer when he was younger than 65.

At age 40 for men at an even higher risk, such as those with several first-degree relatives who had prostate cancer at an early age.

The American Urological Association (AUA) recommends that:

Men under age 40 shouldn't have PSA screening.

Men ages 40 to 54 who are at average risk shouldn't have routine PSA screening.

Men ages 55 to 69 should talk with their doctors about having the test. Discuss the benefits and harms of PSA screening before deciding if you want the test. If you decide to have this test, having it every 2 years rather than every year may reduce the harms.

Men ages 70 and older (or any man with less than a 10- to 15-year life expectancy) shouldn't have routine PSA screening.

Why might your doctor offer PSA screening for you?

Your doctor may discuss PSA screening if you are in your 50s or 60s. If you're at high risk, your doctor may discuss screening sooner. Some things may put you at high risk for prostate cancer, such as being African American, having a family history of prostate cancer, or carrying gene changes thought to increase the risk for prostate cancer. If you don't already know your prostate cancer risk, you can ask your doctor.

2. Compare your options

Have a PSA test

Don't have a PSA test

What is usually involved?

You have a blood test to check your PSA level.

If your PSA is high, you'll need more tests. These may include repeat PSA tests or a prostate biopsy.

Instead of having regular PSA tests, you see your doctor as needed or if you have prostate or urinary symptoms.

What are the benefits?

A PSA test can help find
some prostate cancers early, when the cancer may be easier to treat.

PSA testing may prevent a small number of men from dying of prostate cancer.

You avoid testing that
could lead to a diagnosis of cancer and treatments that can cause urinary, bowel, and erection problems.

What are the risks and side effects?

A PSA test may miss some cancers. Some PSA tests may be normal when there is cancer (called a false-negative).

A PSA test may show a high level that is not caused by cancer (called a false-positive).

If your PSA test is high, you may need more tests—like a prostate biopsy—to check for cancer. These tests can be harmful. For example, prostate biopsies can cause infections. For a few men, these infections are very serious. These tests can also cause a lot of worry.

A PSA test may find cancers that would not have caused a problem (called overdiagnosis). This can lead to cancer treatments that you don't need. These treatments can cause urinary, bowel, and erection problems.

You may miss the chance of finding prostate cancer early, when the cancer may be easier to treat.

Personal stories

Personal stories about having a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to screen for prostate cancer

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

"I have two children who are in high school right now, and both plan to go to college. It's important to me to provide for them and ensure that they have the money they need to finish their education. If I found out I had cancer, I would try any treatment that might offer me a chance to live longer, even if it has side effects. I'm going to have the PSA test."

— Eric, age 56

"For me, there is still too much uncertainty about how helpful the PSA test is and how accurate it is. I've read that high PSAs can be caused by things other than cancer. But the only way to check for cancer is to have a biopsy. I don't want to have to go through that if I don't have to. And the fact that I might be treated for a cancer that wouldn't have caused a problem is troublesome. So for now, I'm not going to have the PSA test."

— Mike, age 62

"My health is great. I still run, play tennis, and travel a lot. At my age, you start to see friends getting sick and dying of one thing or another, and it makes you start to think about your own health more. I know that the PSA test isn't perfect, but I want to have every chance I can to treat cancer early if I have it."

— Jacob, age
68

"I've done some reading on this subject, and I know that I'm a lot more likely to die from my heart disease than from prostate cancer. Right now I'm focusing my efforts on controlling my blood pressure and cholesterol because I know that treating those things can help me live longer and better. I know that if I had the PSA test and it was high, I would just worry and be stressed out."

— Pieter, age
67

3. What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to have a PSA test

Reasons not to have a PSA test

I want to find prostate cancer early.

I want to avoid the side effects of prostate cancer treatment.

More important

Equally important

More important

I want to be tested so I can have peace of mind.

I'm not worried that I might get prostate cancer.

More important

Equally important

More important

I want to know if I have prostate cancer.

I don't want to know if I have prostate cancer, because it may never affect my health.

More important

Equally important

More important

I think having a PSA test is worth the risk of having a false alarm if it could find prostate cancer early.

I want to avoid worry from a false alarm and more testing.

More important

Equally important

More important

My other important reasons:

My other important reasons:

More important

Equally important

More important

4. Where are you leaning now?

Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Have a PSA test

Do not have a PSA test

Leaning toward

Undecided

Leaning toward

5. What else do you need to make your decision?

Check the facts

1.
Does a high PSA test result always mean you have prostate cancer?

Yes

No

I'm not sure

You're right. A high PSA level can have many causes, including an enlarged prostate, an infection, or, less often, prostate cancer. But most high PSA test results will not turn out to be from cancer.

2.
Can a PSA test find cancers that may never cause a problem?

Yes

No

I'm not sure

It's true. Many cancers found by PSA tests would not have caused a problem if they had not been found through screening. But when they are found, they often get treated with surgery to remove the prostate or with radiation.

3.
Is there a chance that a PSA test could save your life?

Yes

No

I'm not sure

You're right. PSA tests can help find some prostate cancers early, when the cancer may be easier to treat. The largest study of prostate cancer screening so far showed that PSA testing may prevent a small number of men from dying of prostate cancer.

Decide what's next

1.
Do you understand the options available to you?

Yes

No

2.
Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?

Yes

No

3.
Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?

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